map

Here's a map of my lot (east) and Keely & Justin's lot (west). We had no idea!

cousin-ish coincidence

I found out today that my cousin and her husband are going to be building a Hearthstone Home, too! Not only that, they'll be building in the same area... within walking distance, even. How ironic is that?? So excited to have semi-neighbors before we've even moved in... or broken ground, for that matter!

Here are a few pics of the model I'm building and floorplans...

the lot

Sorry, this will be a little photo intensive...

semi-final

Had my reservation appointment with Hearthstone on Thursday. I'm now semi-official. 'Semi' in that if I choose to back out, I'll be out $500. 'Official' as in my lot is now totally reserved for ME for an Ames II house:

Is that a great lot, or what? Behind me is a large wooded area with fully grown trees - no worrying about all that plain boring total-lack-of-landscaping type view. Originally, I'd picked the lot two to the right (west). Bigger lot, yes, and it faced more west, so my deck would be shaded in the evenings. But in person we (my mom and I) realized it really doesn't back to trees like the other(s). It backs to the road and the field across the street. Fine for now, but who knows what will go in there eventually. Better to stick with the awesome view I know will stay there, even though I might not be as shaded. I've also heard from a few people that the direction I'm facing now will help the snow melt on my front sidewalks/driveway faster, so that's a definite plus. A short jaunt to the park, in a cul-de-sac... I definitely staked my claim at the right time in order to get in on this.

See my lot and the two to the right? Those are the only three lots in the subdivision that are for 2 story houses with walk-out basements. The rest will be Hearthstone's Richland collection, which are split entries (no walk-outs). That's actually what I figured I'd be building initially - being on a budget and all. Come to find out there are 2 two-story models that are kind of pinch hitters... some lots are naturally graded such that they require a specific floor plan. Some split entries have lower level family rooms with more above-ground windows, some less, etc. Like the lot to my left. It has to have either a Roseland or Sanford, I think. None of the other split entry house layouts will work. So the lot I'm on has to be either an Ames or a Chase walk-out (the lot has a steep hill that flattens out... perfect for building into for the walk-out basement).

When I went to visit the subdivision for the first time, I had completely figured I'd be building a split-entry. Not my ultimate in desirable layouts, but it made sense for now. My ideal layout, of course, being a 2-story. I took a look at the map and immediately pinpointed the lots I was most interested in, only to find out they had to be 2-stories. "But how can I build a 2-story in a Richland-only subdivision?" said I. At which point I was enlightened on the workings of land grading and requirements. As it turns out, a discount is given on the 2-stories in this subdivision, too, which in the end made building my first choice 2-story obtainable, even given my budget constraints. Plus the awesome lot. So. Cool. I pre-reserved the lot right then, and then went and priced out the Ames house, to make sure I could afford to do so. The rest is history.

What next?

My official contract-signing period is December 1st through the 4th. This means I have to totally commit by then. I will sign the intent-to-build agreement, and lock in my financing (I'm pre-approved for now, but can't lock in my interest rate until then). Right now my appointment is scheduled for December 3rd.

Before that I have to lock in all my final 'options' at the Hearthstone Choice Studio. All the little details like what grade of carpet, what color, which vinyl choice, cupboards, hardware, lighting, paint, trim, siding, front door style/color, shingles... EVERYthing. I have it pretty narrowed down at this point - I've chosen all my price points, and just need to determine final colors and that sort of thing to make sure the interior will be fabulous and coordinated. My final walk-through at the studio is scheduled for the week before my contract-signing date (in November).

I have so much more to cover... another day. This post has gotten ridiculously long!

Beth

a blog is born

Alright, down to business. The story so far is that... I want a house. Riiiight, who doesn't? Of course, being a single mom with an average-but-not-amazing income, I assumed that was a ways off. But seeing all those around me with great homes and fun backyards with fences and deck furniture, I got the bug. I kept imagining myself and my kiddo getting to do that, too. What would he do with an entire yard to play in? The apartment, however nice, just wasn't cutting it anymore.

To get the ball rolling I met with a mortgage loan planner and we assessed the damage. Come to find out, that single family home isn't quite as far off as I'd thought. Sure, there were the standard dings on my credit report (credit cards from my college days, way before this credit score racket began, etc.) but with the grace of the Federal Housing Administration’s loan program, I qualified for the opportunity I needed to get myself into a home. Really?

And so the search began. I did give it a fair shot. I’m still not ruling out the purchase of a move-in ready home. At least not until next week when I sign the intent-to-build agreement with Hearthstone Homes.

After combing my desired area (school district and related items being my number one deciding factor), there were some options, but nothing FANtastic. In fact, everything I was looking at buying… was something that I could build brand-new myself for the same cost (or less!). Thus my query into the logistics of building to my own specifications.

And that’s where I am now. Looking at community with an awesome lot at a 2-story house (TWO stories!). All the houses I could afford to BUY in my price range were split entries. Don’t get me wrong, they have their perks, and can be a great layout in the right time and place for a particular family. But it’s been my dream to have a 2-story. When I started my search it just seemed so out of the question that I can hardly believe it’s now an option.

Skip ahead to my currently-final decision. It could easily change, because I have awhile to lock in my choices. But here’s what we’re looking at, folks:

Now, I grant you, the fanciest exterior this is not. But just imagine it in my Sagebrook green with black shutters and pearl trim. Here, I'll help you (with a little assistance from Photoshop):

Cuter?? MUCH. Notice the adorable lantern exterior light fixtures. Love them. Here's a close-up. I could go on. There are many, many details that I obsess over daily. But I'll save those for another day.

Good night!

A very good place to start...

I need an outlet. After becoming addicted to so many others' blogs lately, I discoverd I too feel the need to pour out my thoughts and witticisms online for so many complete strangers to read (as well as those friends and family members who feel obligated to skim through my ramblings). The latest adventure in life right now is my quest for a home, and it seems that's as good a place as any to start. But not right now. It's bedtime. So I'll really settle down and get started tomorrow (that will be Friday anyway, a much better day to really start).

But notice I do realize that first thing's first - cute blog header. Check. More tomorrow!

Beth